College Financial Readiness

College Financial Readiness Program

As part of the Fort Drum RISE Consortium, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County has established a College Financial Readiness Program to help middle and high school students prepare for their financial futures and transition into college and careers. We offer free individualized assistance filling out the FAFSA and applying for scholarships. We also offer classes on financial literacy at Jefferson County schools in the RISE Consortium.

One of the workshops we provide is Mad City Money™, which is a 2 ½-hour, hands-on simulation that teaches budgeting by giving middle and high school students a taste of the real world. Complete with occupation, salary, spouse, and debt, teens get an instant family, build a monthly budget and move through various stations to purchase housing, transportation, food, clothing, household necessities, daycare, and other needs. This workshop is a fun and interactive way to learn budgeting basics.

Fort Drum RISE is a consortium of schools and community partners that include Alexandria, Belleville Henderson, Copenhagen, Lyme, LaFargeville, and Sackets Harbor schools; Clarkson University; Jefferson-Lewis BOCES; and our Association. The consortium works to enhance the STEM achievement of students in grades 7-12 by providing enriching learning opportunities in STEM-related areas. Fort Drum RISE also provides support to help students transition to college and careers. Learn more about Fort Drum RISE here.

Recent Accomplishments:

More than 500 students from 9 local schools during the 2016-2017 participated in the Mad City Money™ program.

23 community volunteers we’re trained and supported the Mad City Money™ program at local schools.

In 2017 classes were taught to more than 100 students on preparing for their financial futures. With topics including, saving money, managing credit cards and basic budgeting.

In total, during the 2016-17 more than 1,100 individuals in total took advantage of financial literacy programs and services provided by Cornell Cooperative Extension.